We will start off by learning what vector graphics are as well as the different components of a vector graphic. We will then take a look how we can draw and manipulate a variety of different vector objects. After that, you will learn what object attributes are and how to change them. And to wrap up this project, we will go over object organization and how we can save our work. This series of step-by-step videos were developed with artists new to Illustrator in mind so we will be moving at a steady, easy-to-follow pace making sure you understand terms and basic techniques.

We'll get started by breaking down Illustrator's pathfinder panel and learn how we can use both it's shape modes and pathfinders to create a variety of effects on our vector shapes. While exploring both shape modes and pathfinders, we'll learn destructive and non-destructive workflows for using both. From there we'll shift our focus to the new shape builder tool in Illustrator CS5 and learn how it compliments the pathfinder panel. Next, we'll take what we've learned and apply it to a logo. We'll use both sets of tools to create custom shapes to incorporate into our logo. After completing this course, you will have a good understanding of workflows that implement all of these powerful tools.

We'll begin this process by taking some time to learn how to enable and configure our perspective grid. Next we'll learn some basic workflows for creating artwork with perspective and transforming objects in perspective. Once we are familiar with this process, we'll dive in and begin drawing our skyscraper concept based on a simple orthographic drawing. Throughout this process we'll learn how to precisely control the placement of perspective objects. We'll learn how to apply perspective to objects that don't fit on a perspective plane and we'll learn how to use several time saving features such as automatic plane positioning. After working through this series of lesson, you will have a good understanding of how perspective drawing in Illustrator works.

Let's dive right in and get started by revealing the power of Illustrator's Appearance Panel, and then take a look at how Smart Guides can simplify precision placement of our objects. We'll also learn about available brushes in the Brush Panel and look at some techniques for creating stylized flourishes using these brushes. Next, we'll learn how we can work more efficiently by integrating symbols into our workflow. We'll also take a look at some of the powerful new tools in Illustrator CS5 such as the width tool, the shape builder tool and drawing modes. We'll wrap things up by learning about blends and advanced masking using Opacity Masks. After completing this course, you'll be better equipped to tackle virtually any Illustrator project.

We'll get started by learning some of the basics, such as creating and opening files, understanding and customizing the interface and working with tools such as rulers and guides. We'll move on and learn about what Illustrator calls an object, and we'll also learn some tools for creating and modifying these objects. Once we've mastered creating and modifying objects, we'll learn how to manage objects using groups and layers. Next, we'll begin looking at ways to create more advanced objects by building on the knowledge we already have. We'll also learn about how Illustrator handles color and type. Along the way we'll learn about some of the new tools and features included with Illustrator CS5. Finally, we'll wrap things up by learning how to save and export our artwork out of Illustrator.

We'll get started by learning how we can create and save unique color combinations as swatch groups using Illustrator's color guide panel. From there we'll learn how using the edit colors dialog to create color groups gives us much more control over our colors. Next, we'll learn how this same dialog can be expanded upon and utilized to not only recolor existing artwork but also reduce the number of colors giving us the same level of control for each task. From there we'll learn several different methods for converting artwork to grayscale in Illustrator. We'll wrap things up by learning how the Kuler extension can integrate into our workflow providing us with a virtually limitless number of unique, user created color combinations.

We'll begin by learning what isometric projection is and how it differs from traditional linear perspective. From there we'll learn two different methods for creating isometric objects, one using a grid, and a second using the scale, shear and rotate tools in Illustrator. Along the way, we'll learn how to save time by incorporating actions into our workflow. Next, we'll jump in and begin designing a top down, two dimensional view of our map. From there, we'll learn what an orthographic drawing is and how it can help us to construct buildings on our map. We'll wrap things up by adding some final details to our map to really make it shine.

We'll start by quickly exploring both the initial sketched idea and the final vector outcome of our logo. From there, we'll proceed to build a gear out of some simple shapes that we can duplicate throughout our logo. Next, we'll begin positioning the key elements of our logo and use the live trace feature within Illustrator to convert raster artwork to vector for use in the logo. We'll move on and add both secondary type and color to the logo then finish up by fine tuning all the elements within the design.

We'll begin this course by learning about the differences between vectors and pixels. Then we'll take some time to explore Illustrator's workspace, learning how and why it's different from the Photoshop workspace. Next, we'll learn about basic Illustrator objects and explore some of the tools within Illustrator used to create these objects. From there we'll look at ways to organize and manage objects with groups and layers. We'll also have the opportunity to take a look at some of the more advanced tools in Illustrator, including the pathfinder panel, compound paths, masking, and using Illustrator effects. Finally, we'll learn how Photoshop works hand in hand with Illustrator using smart objects. After completing this training, you should have enough knowledge to begin creating and manipulating your own projects inside Illustrator.

We'll begin by quickly exploring both the initial sketched idea and the final outcome of our logo. From there, we'll use Illustrator's live trace feature to convert raster artwork to vector for use in the logo. Next, we'll build a wave pattern that begins on our surfer's board and transitions into a baseline for our logo's type. We'll move on from there and begin working with the type for our logo by customizing a problematic character. We'll complete our design by adding stylized curls to the wave pattern and then color to our logo.

Principle by principle, we'll venture through, understanding the meaning behind each of them, as well as how they can and should be implemented for success. By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge you need to create magnetic, natural, and memorable character performances.